Unfollowing as Dissent: What Gen Z’s Shift Away from Raghav Chadha Reveals About Modern Politics

Political discontent no longer always manifests through protests or public demonstrations. Increasingly, it is expressed through quieter, digital actions—sometimes as simple as tapping “unfollow.”

That appears to be the case with a section of Gen Z, which has recently shown signs of disengagement from Raghav Chadha. Once regarded as a youthful and articulate voice in contemporary Indian politics, Chadha now finds himself at the centre of a more subdued but telling online shift, where users are opting to withdraw rather than openly criticise.

This raises a larger question: what does this change indicate about how younger audiences engage with political figures today?

The Rise—and Limits—of the Relatable Politician

For a generation that tends to approach institutions with scepticism, relatability often resonates more than rhetoric. Early in his political career, Chadha appeared to recognise this dynamic.

With a professional background in accountancy, he stood apart from conventional political archetypes. His measured tone and composed public presence offered a contrast to the often combative nature of political discourse. He largely avoided sensationalism, which appealed to younger audiences fatigued by constant noise.

Moments such as his widely discussed Blinkit delivery episode further reinforced this image—not because they were extraordinary, but because they felt ordinary and accessible. For many, he appeared less like a distant political figure and more like someone navigating the same everyday realities.

Public curiosity surrounding his association with actor Parineeti Chopra added visibility, though it was not the primary driver of his appeal.

A Sudden Shift in Perception

In politics, public perception can evolve gradually or change abruptly. This instance appears closer to the latter.

The same qualities that once distinguished Chadha are now being reassessed. The recent wave of unfollows does not reflect overt outrage but rather a quieter form of disengagement—suggesting disappointment, discomfort, or a reassessment of his public persona.

According to political analyst Ajay Gudavarthy, Associate Professor at JNU, younger audiences often expect emerging leaders to embody ethical clarity and a departure from traditional political practices. Any perceived deviation from that image can lead to swift recalibration in public support.

Similarly, observers of digital culture note that Gen Z tends to respond strongly to perceived inconsistencies, particularly when actions are interpreted as prioritising personal or political advantage over authenticity.

Gen Z and Conditional Engagement

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z does not typically extend long-term loyalty to political figures. Their engagement is fluid and conditional:

• Connection is based on present relatability
• Disengagement follows when that relatability diminishes

Rather than actively opposing a figure, this cohort often chooses to step back. The act of unfollowing, in this context, becomes less about rejection and more about recalibration.

The Attention Economy and Political Image

This shift is also shaped by the mechanics of digital attention. In online ecosystems, gaining visibility is often easier than sustaining credibility.

As cultural commentator Krishtijeet Das observes, digital audiences may initially connect with a leader’s perceived alignment with their concerns. However, maintaining that connection requires consistency. Even familiar political practices—such as strategic repositioning—can attract heightened scrutiny when they conflict with a carefully cultivated public image.

When Branding Meets Politics

The challenge of being a “relatable politician” lies in the fragility of relatability itself. Public connection is built less on formal authority and more on perceived authenticity.

When a figure begins to appear overly strategic or curated, that connection can weaken. What once felt genuine may start to seem constructed, creating a tension that is difficult to sustain over time.

Unfollowing as a Form of Expression

For Gen Z, dissent is often subtle and digitally mediated. Unfollowing is not necessarily apathy; it is a low-effort but symbolically significant action.

Individually, it may seem inconsequential. Collectively, it reflects a measurable shift in sentiment—one that signals disengagement without amplifying confrontation.

A Broader Shift in Political Engagement

The evolving response to Raghav Chadha underscores a larger transformation in how younger audiences relate to public figures.

Authority alone no longer commands admiration. Instead, relatability, transparency, and perceived sincerity carry greater weight. While Gen Z understands that politics involves negotiation and strategy, it remains wary of compromises that appear to undermine authenticity.

This generation is less drawn to traditional political theatre—marked by grand speeches and overt displays of power—and more inclined toward communication that feels grounded and genuine.

An Open Question

The developments surrounding Chadha extend beyond individual popularity. They point to a deeper structural question about the future of political engagement:

In an era where authenticity is both demanded and scrutinised, can politics truly meet the expectations of a generation that values sincerity over strategy?

The answer may shape not just individual careers, but the evolving relationship between public figures and the audiences they seek to represent.